At least six feared dead in doomed Pennsylvania air ambulance crash

The crash site is less than 5 kilometers from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, which primarily serves business jets and charter flights. (Photo: AP)

A Jet rescue air ambulance reportedly crashed in Philadelphia near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard on Friday killing at least six individuals.

A Learjet 55 (XA-UCI) operating for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crashed near Philadelphia, PA, en route to Springfield, MO. The twin-engine aircraft, used for medical transport, tragically resulted in the loss of all lives on board, reported media outlets.

The Learjet 55 is a small, corporate jet known for its speed and ability to operate on shorter runways, making it suitable for air ambulance services. The crash tragically resulted in the loss of six passengers and crew on board, though specific details about the individuals involved have not been disclosed yet.  The aircraft was operating as part of a medical mission.

A large fire burned in the wake of the crash, prompting a significant response. Vehicles could also be seen on fire. There were reportedly six people on board, according to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. The FAA had initially reported there were two people on board. The agency did not have any update on their condition.

The AP reported less than 30 seconds before the collision, air traffic recordings show controllers asking the helicopter if it has the plane in sight and instructing it to pass behind the landing aircraft.

The Philadelphia Fire Department advised residents to avoid the area of Calvert and St. Vincent streets. The FAA issued a ground stop at Northeast Philadelphia Airport due to "an aircraft incident." Duffy said he is monitoring the crash and heading to the FAA to get information.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said his team is communicating with local officials and first responders and is "offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly."

The plane crashed in a busy intersection near Roosevelt Mall, an outdoor shopping center in the densely populated neighborhood of Rhawnhurst. A cell phone video taken by a witness moments after the plane crashed showed a chaotic scene with debris scattered across the intersection. A wall of orange glowed just beyond the intersection as a plume of black smoke quickly rose into the sky and sirens blared.